Department of Music presents 2008 ASU Percussion Ensemble in concert Nov. 18

Nov. 12, 2008 -- The Arkansas State University Percussion Ensemble will present a concert Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m in the Don Minx Rehearsal Hall, Fine Arts Center, 114 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro.  The concert is free of charge and open to the public.  The ensemble is under the direction of associate professor Craig Collison.  They will perform 3 pieces: “Layers” by Lynn Glassock: “Mudra” by Bob Becker, featuring soloist Janet Rooney; and “Eye Irascible” by Steve Riley. 

“Mudra” consists of music originally composed to accompany the dance “Urbhana Mudra.” The rhythmic structure and overall form reflect the episodic and gestural nature of the dance. The term “mudra” refers in general to the narrative use of torso, face and hand gestures in many Indian dance forms. The dance deals with the struggles between traditional and modern issues in India’s multicultural society. The use of a solo snare drum follows the tradition of using a solo drum at traditional Indian dance concerts.

Members of the 2008 ASU Percussion Ensemble are Dustin Barker, Seth Gaskill, and Jarrett Tedder of Paragould, Cassie Blevens and Curtis Farley of Jonesboro, Raymond Gilliam of Little Rock, Janet Rooney of Lake City, Aaron Fisher of Southaven, Miss., Gabrien Bown of Newport, and Trent Duff of Pocahontas.  

For more information, contact the Department of Music's office at (870) 972-2094.         

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